PICTURES: Thorngrove School near Newbury feels the love for fitness at Valentine’s aerobathon supporting Swings and Smiles

Students, teachers and parents all pulled up their leg warmers, strapped on their headbands and got moving for charity at a school’s annual aerobathon.

Thorngrove School ran its sixth annual charity aerobathon within its sports hall on Friday, February 14, and this year the much-loved event had a special Valentine’s twist.

As always, the aerobic sessions were led by Thorngrove’s head of girls games Lucinda Thomas and local fitness legend Mike Hart – stylised as Mr Heart for the occasion – the 77-year-old ex-teacher of both Thorngrove and St Bart’s who has been running community aerobic groups in Newbury for more than 50 years.

Heart balloons adorned the hall, and there was certainly a feeling of love (for fitness and neon spandex) in the air.

This year, the charity aerobathon was supporting Swings & Smiles, a Thatcham-based charity that supports children with special needs.

The day began with several Thorngrove pupils, parents and staff taking part in the initial big session, before different year groups took part in individual aerobathon slots throughout the day.

Mr Heart got the first session under way, showcasing several different moves for the crowd to follow while the music of ABBA and ELO pumped through the hall.

Lucinda took over after about 10 minutes, modernising the music with some Usher and “woop woop” calls which the kids readily and loudly returned.

Everyone taking part all tried to look as bright as possible.

Pupils were wearing colourful sweat and headbands and a wide array of sports tops.

Notably, one young girl was wearing an England cricket top with the name of Newbury’s very own Lauren Bell emblazoned on the back.

Parents and teachers made sure to join in with the dressing up too, with several shell suits and multi-coloured sports outfits spotted in the crowd.